Review of CD - Woody Witt

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Woody Witt
Woody Witt

Review on The Jazz Zine
http://jazzman261.home.mchsi.com/witt/woody.htm

Woody Witt comes from a part of the country that breeds big toned tenor saxophonists, Houston Texas. Woody has been around for a while and has paid some dues along the way. While backing such super stars as Ray Charles, The Temptations, Kenny Rogers and others, he’s managed to stay in his jazz bag throughout as evidenced by this recording.

On this compact disc recording, Woody has a nicely backed rhythm section that is in his full support. While the group does swing, its very evident that they are all listening to each other and complementing all of the way.

On the Evergreen, Who Cares there’s a nice feel of exchange and balance as the group explores the many avenues of this toe taper.

Woody shows us his writing prowess on "Through the Fog." This line is an introverted reflection piece that explores some modal likenesses recalling the Miles and Herbie Hancock days.

I especially enjoyed the writing of pianist Joe LoCascio on his Original, My Idea of fun. This particular line has a labyrinth of places that it takes us to. This group is not afraid to go out on the limb to make its statement. However, there is enough for the listener to grab hold of to groove with this group.

Trance is the longest and most ambitious of the tracks. On this, I hear a lot of influences from Coltrane in Woody’s playing. Only in the sense that Coltrane’s music has filtered through him, do I sense this. This is an excellent group that knows the direction the music should be going.

Overall, this CD was a joy to listen to. What more can you ask for? This is a group that mostly plays original material and is adventurous enough to take us to places we’ve never been without leaving us stranded in the process.

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